Sunday, November 25, 2012

AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage Results

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

GROUP A FIXTURES

(Sat 24)Vietnam 1-1 Myanmar Thailand 2-1 Philippines

Two goals in two minutes shortly before half time won the game for Thailand. Jakkapan was on hand to convert Theerathon's cut back from the right flank on 38 minutes, while good link up play from Datsakorn and Teerasil allowed Anucha to weave through the Philippines rearguard before the Chonburi man fired into the roof of the net. Thailand had chances to wrap the game up after the break but they had to endure a nervous last 15 minutes when Mulders grabbed a consolation. The gloomy evening was compounded for the Azkals when coach Weiss was sent to the stand for petulantly throwing the ball at Anucha as he lay on the deck injured.Myanmar upset Vietnam as they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw. Vietnam controlled the rain swept first half and took the lead through a Le Tan Tai header. Myanmar improved in the second half and drew level when star player Kyi Lin won and converted a penalty. (Tues 27)Vietnam 0-1 Philippines Myanmar 0-4 Thailand

Thailand cruised into the semi finals of the AFF Cup with a 4-0 victory over Myanmar. Teerasil was the hero of the day netting three classy goals in the 20th, 81st, and 88th minutes as the Muangthong hitman enhanced his growing reputation with a hat-trick. The other scorer for Thailand was Apipoo who scored Thailand's second goal off the back of his head following an Anucha cross on the hour. The scoreline was a bit flattering but overall it was a comfortable evening for the Thai hosts. Vietnam are on the brink of elimination after they lost 1-0 to the Philippines. The Azkals had to be patient with substitute Caligdong's 85th minute strike being the only goal of the game. Vietnam did hit the crossbar shortly after the goal but the Philippines held on to claim the valuable three points.

(Fri 30)Philippines 2-0 Myanmar Thailand 3-1 Vietnam

Winfried Schafer reshuffled his pack as Thailand beat Vietnam 3-1. The much maligned Kirati was the hero of the day as he finally proved his worth at international level with a couple of goals. His first was a tap in on the six yard line midway through the first half while his second was a precise glancing header just after the hour mark. Anucha then saw red for aiming a kick at an opponent before Nguyen Van Quyet beat the offside trap moments later to reduce the deficit for the Vietnamese. With 18 minutes left, ten man Thailand could have pressed the panic button, but they secured the game on 81 minutes when a Vietnam defender knocked a Sumanya corner into his own net.
The Philippines saw off Myanmar to ensure back-to-back semi final appearances in the AFF Cup. Second half goals from Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado sealed second place for the Azkals in Group A.
Thailand won the group with 9 points followed by the Philippines on 6. Vietnam and Myanmar collected only one solitary point apiece.

GROUP B FIXTURES

(Sun 25)Indonesia 2-2 LaosMalaysia 0-3 Singapore

AFF cup holders Malaysia were stunned as they lost 3-0 at home to Singapore. Two first half goals from Shahril and a second half header from 42 year old Alex Duric moved the Lions to the top of the group.
It was heartbreak for Laos as an 89th minute goal prevented the underdogs from claiming a famous win. Laos took the lead from the spot through Khampheng Sayavutthi after Indonesia's keeper, Endra, was red carded. It was then 10 v 10 when Sopha Saysana got his marching orders for Laos before Maitimo drew Indonesia level.
In the 80th minute, Keoviengphet looked to have won the game for Laos but Vendry Mofu tapped in a rebound for Indonesia in the 89th minute to make it 2-2.

(Wed 28)Indonesia 1-0 SingaporeLaos 1-4 Malaysia

Indonesia moved to the top of Group B after they snatched a late 1-0 win over Singapore. Andik Vermansyah was the match winner scoring a free kick in the 87th minute.Malaysia got their first points on the board with a 4-1 win over Laos. The scorelines suggests it was a comfortable evening for the Malaysians but in reality it was a struggle with three second half goals papering over the cracks.

(Sat 1 Dec)Singapore 4-3 LaosMalaysia 2-0 Indonesia

Singapore had to come back from two down before they eventually beat Laos 4-3. The victory meant that the Lions topped the group and avoided tournament favorites Thailand in the semi final. Shahril Ishak's goal in first half stoppage time sparked the Singapore comeback into life after they'd fallen two behind. Singapore added three second half goals as the Laos side tired after the break.
Reigning champions Malaysia progressed to the semi finals as they beat Indonesia 2-0. The Indonesians actually started the game brightly but they were hit with quick goals by Azamuddin Akil and Mahalli Jasuli just before the half hour. Indonesia never really recovered as Malaysia comfortably saw out the game.
Malaysia will now take on Group A winners Thailand in the semi-finals
with the first leg in KL next Sunday. Singapore will visit travel to the Philippines in the other semi-final.